Page 66 - New Testament Survey Student Textbook

Conclusion: Good observation of the arguments lead to the conclusion that the South Galatian theory is
certainly compelling if not provable.

Themes

In Galatians, Paul explains what holds the Church together as God’s people:
accepting God’s grace and living in step with His Spirit. The good news Paul
preaches is that Christ Jesus has reconciled us to God and thus freed us from
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having to keep Old Testament law (2:19–21).
Paul says that Christians have to choose between the law and faith (3:10–
14). A person who relies on keeping the law has thrown away the need for Jesus. Being right with God
doesn’t have anything to do with our own actions; salvation is all about Jesus—His sacrificial death for our
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sins and new life taking hold in us (2:19–21; 5:16–24).
The law did have a purpose, though. It guarded God’s people until faith was revealed in Christ (3:24–25).
But now, God’s people have the Spirit. We are full heirs of the promise of salvation and true children of
God, having inherited what was promised to Abraham (3:23–29; Gen 12:1–3). Now, by the power of the
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Holy Spirit, we are called to be there for one another and to do good for others (Gal 5:25–6:10).

Occasion (cf. Acts 11:2-3; 15:1-2, 24) and Purpose
Judaizing interlopers who distort the gospel of Personal, doctrinal and ethical defense of the
grace gospel
1. Seek to undermine Paul’s authority (1:1, 11-12; 1. Defends his apostolic credentials (1:10-2:14)
6:17)
2. Demand circumcision for salvation (5:2-6; 6:12) 2. Expounds justification by faith alone (2:15-5:12)
3. Claim grace-alone theology produces license (3:1- 3. Explains Christian liberty: service and the Spirit
5; 5:1, 13) (5:13-6:10)

Structure

After a customary greeting (Gal 1:1–5), Paul challenges the Galatians’ movement away from the gospel
he preached (1:6–10), and he defends his apostleship (1:11–2:21). Paul argues that those in favor of non-
Jewish people practicing Jewish law have a flawed understanding of the gospel.

In the next major section (3:1–5:12), Paul aims to correct the misunderstanding by contrasting his gospel
and the false teaching. Relying on the law to secure a place among God’s people is foolish, he says; that
approach leads only to slavery. In the final part of the letter (5:13–6:18), Paul outlines the practical
implications of his gospel. Believers are to live by the Spirit in freedom. If they do this, then sin and
divisions will cease.
Brief Outline
• Paul’s defense of his apostleship (1:1–2:21)
• Paul’s defense of his gospel (3:1–5:12)
• Application of his viewpoint (5:13–6:18)

91 Barry, J. D., et al
92 Ibid
93 Ibid

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